When colors blend, clarity rises

Mary Cain says watercolor painting brings freedom and clarity to her inner thoughts.

“I’m a visual learner who studies intently, but paints spontaneously,” said Post Falls resident Cain.

Cain’s watercolor paintings are on display at the Post Falls Library, 821 Spokane Street, through May 15. Cain has worked in different media such as oils and acrylics, but prefers watercolor.

Cain often paints landscapes using a watercolor method called wet-on-wet. The paper is wetted or soaked with water, and then paint is applied with a wet brush. The colors bleed and blend together, often creating surprises. Colors can be juxtaposed, creating intense color palettes.

“I like to paint this way because the results create soft, fuzzy edges and mystery,” Cain said.

Educated as a nurse, Cain is taking a year off to pursue her art. Cain has been painting for 27 years off and on, taking a few classes, but she prefers to work intuitively.

As a young artist, Cain said, “My first watercolor class opened me up, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face since it was so much fun to create.”

Cain painted excessively and pursued her passion to the point of being broke several times, traveling from San Francisco to New York City to expand her art worldview.

Her paintings follow techniques of broken color, which capture the sensation of different light hues in her landscapes. A close-up study of her paintings shows how Cain uses her blending technique to add definition to her landscapes, subtly working from dark to light and from thick to thin.

Cain traveled to Santa Fe, N.M., last May with her three sisters and felt a strong connection to the art community.

“I have been influenced by the French Impressionists and the wonderful Georgia O’Keefe whose Santa Fe influence has helped to create a haven for artists,” she said.

Cain praises Post Falls librarian Joe Reiss, who supports community artists. The library has received many accolades for pottery, quilts and other artwork displayed over the years.

“Creating colors, effects and artistic self-expression relieves stuffed emotions, giving expression where words cannot,” said Cain. “Life is full of experimentation and sometimes the best surfaces, without the ego controlling it.”

Cain believes art is a personal experience, that it comes from our own unique perspective, and is beautiful to simply enjoy.

“Watercolor painting’s free-flowing style encourages personal expression,” said Cain, who plans to continue her passion in the future. “It is both therapeutic and healing.”